Alex Shipman of the Plymouth Herald writes, “PLYMOUTH breast cancer patients are having to wait 237 days for reconstructive surgery after mastectomies – meaning some are travelling out of the city for operations. Bridget Prideaux from Bosom Pals, a group that provides support for those affected by breast cancer, says the waiting list is now a “big problem”, particularly for younger women. ‘For younger women, reconstructive surgery is really important because the psychological damage caused by cancer and the physical effects are immense,’ said Bridget. ‘The opportunity to have reconstructive surgery is not there at the moment for the ladies in Plymouth. The city needs more surgeons that specialise in reconstruction, and it can’t come a moment too soon.’ A spokesperson for Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust said the average waiting time for 17 patients between October 1 2014 and August 31 2015 was 236.7 days. Katie Parker, 27, contacted the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital after being told that it may have taken longer than two years to have breast reconstruction. The waitress, who lives in Keyham, had a double mastectomy after finding out she had cancer gene BCRA2, but was told she would have to wait a year for a referral for breast reconstruction, and then additional year to be operated on. ‘I overheard another lady say she went to Exeter and so I contacted them straight away,’ recalled Katie. ‘I was referred to Exeter in March and saw the surgeon in April before being operated on in June. I can’t thank Exeter enough.’”

When it comes to breast reconstruction surgery, you need a surgeon you can trust. Rex E. Moulton-Barrett, M.D. is internationally known and acknowledged. He is board certified with The American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and The American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

Dr. Moulton-Barrett offers both immediate and delayed reconstruction options. Talk to your oncologist, breast cancer surgeon, and a plastic surgeon before your mastectomy if you are considering the procedure. By doing this, it allows the surgical teams to plan a treatment best individualized for you, even if you decide to wait to have reconstructive surgery later. Otherwise, immediate reconstruction is performed at the same time as the mastectomy. An advantage to having immediate breast reconstruction is that it means one less surgery.

If you’re considering breast reconstruction surgery, contact us for a consultation.